Chapter 480: Kunlun Mountain Summit

Chapter 480: Kunlun Mountain Summit

The gap between the Lower Sixth Stage of Divinity and the Divine Realm was as thin as paper, ready to be pierced with the slightest touch.

Reaching the Lower Fifth Rank of Divinity meant achieving a level close to the 'Half-Step Divine Realm'. Chen Mu, having experienced the refinement of his soul through the unity of Heaven and Man, had already mastered the Heaven and Earth Path and was now on the verge of comprehending the Primordial Path. This would significantly accelerate his progress.

Even though his physical body was limited by resources, and his soul was constrained by the lack of unique cultivation techniques, he could still improve through the System Interface and advance to higher realms by comprehending the Primordial Path. This had always been one of Chen Mu's backup plans.

Of course, it would be even better if he could easily gather sufficient resources, allowing him to cultivate a Divine Body sooner.

Chen Mu's consciousness, merged with Heaven and Earth, overlooked a region spanning three hundred and sixty li, encompassing nearly all of Yu Prefecture, the capital of Yu Prefecture. The title of Heaven Person was indeed well-deserved, as he had reached the pinnacle of the Mortal Way and touched upon the Celestial Way.

Chen Mu's thoughts shifted, and his soul, which had merged with Heaven and Earth, instantly retracted.

Within the forbidden grounds of the Seven Profound Monastery, Qin Mengjun and Yin Heng felt the vast and overwhelming aura surrounding Chen Mu, like a sun-obscuring cloud, quickly retract and vanish without a trace.

The two witnessed Chen Mu turn around, his hands clasped behind his back, and face them with a slight nod. "Master, Senior Yin, it seems I've just made it in time for the Kunlun Debate."

Chen Mu wasn't entirely uninterested in the Kunlun Debate, known as the pinnacle gathering of the Martial World. He simply didn't care about titles or being a true 'Heaven Person'; such accolades held no importance to him.

What truly piqued his interest were the top Martial Ancestors of the present era.

In reality, having a refined soul granted one the qualification to comprehend and cultivate the Primordial Path. Just as he had known, the top Martial Ancestors often delved into the mysteries of the Void or the passage of time.

Chen Mu now faced the Primordial Path, a step that even the most exceptional Martial Ancestors of the present era had yet to fully comprehend. Though they had spent decades or even centuries exploring the Primordial Path, they undoubtedly had their own insights.

Engaging in a discussion with them might enhance Chen Mu's understanding and facilitate his own comprehension of the Primordial Path.

"You've indeed made it just in time," Qin Mengjun said with a hint of admiration after hearing Chen Mu's words.

Chen Mu's talent was indeed astonishing. In the past, when his cultivation was lower, he would occasionally leap through multiple stages at once, which was still within the realm of comprehension. But now, having reached the Blood Transformation Stage, his cultivation speed remained astonishing. Within two short years, he had achieved breakthroughs in both physical cultivation and mental realm, leaving Qin Mengjun in awe.

"The Kunlun Debate is about to commence. We should depart," Yin Heng said, taking a deep breath to calm his heart and speaking slowly.

Chen Mu's journey to the Celestial Mortal Stage had taken some time, and the Kunlun Debate was about to begin. Even for a Blood Transformation Realm cultivator, crossing several regions to reach the Kunlun Mountains would require some time. It was high time they set off.

Chen Mu nodded slightly but did not immediately take to the skies. Instead, he put away the Primordial Chart and headed out of the valley, saying, "Master Yin, you and Master Qin, please go ahead. I'll inform my family and then catch up with you."

After two years of seclusion, Chen Mu had only left his secluded cultivation to guide Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and others. Now that he had achieved success, he intended to visit them. As for the Kunlun Debate, he would undoubtedly make it in time. Even if Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun left first, he would soon catch up.

Hearing Chen Mu's words, Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun had no objections. Their speed couldn't match Chen Mu's, and even if they left first, he might still arrive before them.

As Chen Mu departed towards Spirit Profound Peak, Yin Heng turned to Qin Mengjun and smiled, "Shall we go?"

"Let's go," Qin Mengjun replied with a light nod.

The two figures soared into the sky, transforming into arcs of light that vanished into the heavens.

At the same time, on the summit of Great Mystic Peak, behind the main hall, Qi Zhiyuan, who had been seated beneath an ancient pine, suddenly opened his eyes and gazed up at the sky, murmuring, "Is it about to begin?"

He stood up and looked towards the direction of the Kunlun Mountains, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.

Thirty years ago, he had also attended the Kunlun Debate and benefited greatly from it.

However, he couldn't attend this time. As the current leader of the Seven Profound Monastery, he held a high position and great authority, but he couldn't easily leave. With Qin Mengjun, Yin Heng, and others away from the sect, he had to guard the sect, including temporarily controlling the Heaven Earth Dragon Formation that protected the mountain gate.

The Kunlun Debate was not only a chance to witness the pinnacle of the Martial World but also a rare opportunity for the Seven Profound Monastery to participate after several hundred years. This time, they might even be at the center of the Celestial Mortal Summit Discussion.

Missing such a grand event was truly a pity.

Within the sect.

Almost all the elders, except for him, had set out for Kunlun Mountain days in advance.

Just as Qi Zhiyuan felt a bit regretful, in a bamboo grove on Spirit Profound Peak, he saw a little girl of about four or five years old, with a delicate and beautiful appearance, swinging a sword of unknown material that seemed to weigh nothing, with a serious and meticulous demeanor.

Chen Mu quietly appeared in the bamboo grove, his eyes softening as he watched the little girl swing the sword. During his Unity of Heaven and Man, his gaze had lingered on Chen Yao for a long time. It had been over two years since then, and Chen Yao was now over four years old. Due to inheriting his bloodline, even at four, her strength was greater than that of a seven or eight-year-old boy, and her blood qi was more vigorous.

However, at this age, it was still unsuitable for her to cultivate the Body Refinement Martial Way. She would need to reach fifteen before that. However, practicing sword techniques was fine to start. Xu Hongyu, for instance, had started practicing the sword from a young age, though she only began at seven or eight, and formally started learning at ten. Chen Yao, on the other hand, had started at four, showing a strong interest in the Martial Way.

Xu Hongyu stood nearby, watching Chen Yao practice her sword techniques.

"Rao'er looks like you," Chen Mu said as he approached Xu Hongyu. "She will surely become a great female hero in the future."

Xu Hongyu turned to look at Chen Mu, gave him a gentle smile, and said, "Looking like me won't make her a great female hero. She needs to be more like you. Look at her eyebrows, don't they resemble yours?"

"Indeed, they do."

Chen Mu looked at Chen Yao and smiled warmly.

At that moment, Chen Yao, who was playing with her lightweight, flexible sword, saw Chen Mu standing beside Xu Hongyu. Her face lit up with joy, and she ran over, throwing herself into Chen Mu's arms.

"Daddy!"

Chen Mu's eyes softened as he picked up the little girl and gently ruffled her hair.

After a few moments of affection with Xu Hongyu and Chen Yao, Chen Mu put Chen Yao down and spoke a few words to Xiao He, who had also come over. As for Chen Yue, she was not in the Seven Mystic Sect. She had left the mountain a year ago to seek opportunities for breaking through the Marrow Gate, and no one dared to cross her now.

Moreover, Chen Mu had specially refined a small 'Heaven and Earth Seal' for Chen Yue using the highest-quality Essence Spirit Stone, and infused it with his own methods. Even a top Grandmaster would be severely injured or killed if it were to explode! No Blood Refinement Realm practitioner would dare to harm Chen Yue, so Chen Mu was at ease with her leaving the mountain for training. After all, without trials and tribulations, no matter how many resources were available, it would be impossible to easily break through the Marrow Gate.

Soon.

After bidding farewell to Xiao He, Xu Hongyu, and the others, Chen Mu set out again, leaving Spirit Profound Peak. With just two steps, he quietly arrived at the entrance of the Seven Mystic Sect.

After reaching the Celestial Mortal level, his movements had become even more unpredictable. Even a Blood Refinement Realm practitioner standing right in front of him might not be able to see his steps or detect his presence.

A Celestial Mortal who had mastered the Heaven and Earth Path was indeed a nearly invincible existence within the realm of Heaven and Earth.

However.

Chen Mu did not immediately head for the Kunlun Mountains. Instead, he took a few steps and quietly arrived in the bustling 'Seven Mystic Town' outside the sect, stopping in front of a house.

He then walked up the stairs and made his way to the third floor, passing through the corridor and pushing open a door.

Inside the room, two figures were sitting at a table, discussing something. Sensing the door opening, they both immediately became alert, standing up and facing the door, each placing a hand on the other's.

But when they saw Chen Mu walk in, they immediately relaxed and stepped forward.

"Master, why have you come?"

Two clear and pleasant voices sounded, almost indistinguishable from each other.

Chen Mu took a few steps forward, picked up a teacup, and sipped the tea. "When did you arrive?"

"We've been here for about half a month," Huanao Ying said with a smile. "We heard that you were in seclusion, so we didn't want to disturb you. It wasn't convenient to enter the Seven Mystic Sect, so we waited here."

Chen Mu looked at Huanao Ying. "You could have sent a message. Even if I was in seclusion, I would have received it once I came out."

He hadn't received any news of Huanao Ying and Huanao Yue seeking him out in the Seven Mystic Sect. It was only after he had achieved Unity of Heaven and Man and sensed their presence in Seven Mystic Town through the Heaven-Man Sensation that he came to see them after his seclusion.

Huanao Yue said, "If we disturbed the Lady and caused trouble for you, that wouldn't be good. Besides, we didn't come for anything major. The Sect Master just wanted to invite you to visit the Bliss Sect after the Kunlun Debate."

"…The Bliss Sect, huh?"

Chen Mu's expression showed a thoughtful look.

Back then, he had been extremely wary of the Bliss Sect, but now he was at ease and no longer feared any of their schemes. Of course, the Bliss Sect, unless they had lost their minds, would not dare to plot against him.

"Alright."

Chen Mu responded with a calm expression.

The Harmony Sect was nothing in his eyes; as a Martial Saint, he was a heavenly being, and there was no way he would back down. Since it was an invitation, he would attend.

Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, both Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying revealed a hint of a smile. They conveyed the Harmony Sect's invitation, but they weren't sure if Chen Mu would go. However, since Chen Mu had agreed, the matter was considered settled.

"You swept through the capital with a single strike, determining the fate of the world, yet you treat worldly power as nothing more than a worn-out shoe..."

Hua Nongyue's hand gently rested on him, her eyes filled with admiration. The strong ruling over the weak was the way of the world. How could one not admire Chen Mu, a Martial Saint who dominated with sheer force, let alone ordinary women? Even more so for Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, who cultivated the Way of Emotions, their hearts yearned for a moment of pleasure with Chen Mu upon hearing the news of the battle in the Central Region.

"Worldly power is but fleeting, and in the end, it is the Martial Way that rules supreme."

Chen Mu calmly spoke, "Even if I weren't born in this world, there will come a day when someone will comprehend the Martial Way to its pinnacle, surpassing power with their martial prowess... Hmm, speaking of which, the Kunlun Debate is about to begin. You cultivate the Yin-Yang Way, and observing the debate would greatly benefit you. I recall that Xuan Tian High Priest is also from the Yin-Yang lineage."

Xuan Tian High Priest was one of the top heavenly masters in the world, a name that echoed like thunder in Chen Mu's ears. He had been renowned for countless years as the unparalleled heavenly master of the Yin-Yang lineage.

Upon hearing Chen Mu mention the debate, Hua Nongyue blinked, her lustful eyes clearing as she said, "Xuan Tian High Priest is indeed the strongest in the Yin-Yang Way, but you, Master Chen, cultivate the Heaven and Earth Way, evolving Yin and Yang. Perhaps even he can't compare to you."

Chen Mu replied with a calm tone, "Don't underestimate the people of this world."

In the 16th and 19th chapters of the book, there is not a single mistake in the version!

Indeed, Chen Mu had reached the pinnacle of the Heaven and Earth Path, and even the Yin-Yang Way, which had also reached its peak, was nothing before him. However, Xuan Tian High Priest had achieved enlightenment long ago and had been a heavenly master for many years. After all these years, at the pinnacle of heavenly mastery, he must have gained some insights.

Perhaps in terms of martial bodies, Xuan Tian High Priest might not have much to offer, and in terms of soul cores, he was also limited by this world. But if one could cultivate an indestructible divine light, they would possess the ability to comprehend the origin path.

Those who have reached the pinnacle of a path, becoming the top heavenly masters of their generation, are undoubtedly heroes with extraordinary talents. Chen Mu never underestimated anyone.

Perhaps, in terms of martial prowess, no one in this world could compare to him.

But when it came to exploring the divine realm and comprehending the origin path, heavenly masters like Xuan Tian High Priest, who had secluded themselves for decades or even centuries, should have some insights of their own.

At the very least, in terms of the origin path, he had yet to begin his true cultivation and was still somewhat behind.

"Are you planning to go to Kunlun?"

Hua Nongying leaned against Chen Mu, and upon hearing his words, a faint light flashed in her eyes.

The Kunlun Debate was the pinnacle gathering for martial artists, and now that they had both cultivated to the Marrow Washing Realm and become grandmasters, they were naturally interested in attending. However, compared to the Kunlun Debate, delivering the Harmony Sect's invitation to Chen Mu was more important.

Although they hadn't received any news from Chen Mu, they understood him well enough to know that he might not have much interest in the Kunlun Debate. After all, he had swept through the capital and suppressed the Daxuan Court, earning the world's recognition as a Martial Saint, surpassing the Martial Way.

For martial artists, being qualified to ascend to the peak of Kunlun Mountain was a glorious achievement, one that would be recorded in the history of martial arts. But for Chen Mu, it held no significance.

"It's a good opportunity to go and take a look."

Chen Mu nodded.

Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying exchanged glances and then whispered with a hint of regret, "The Kunlun Debate should be happening today, right? From here to the Kunlun Mountains, we're separated by several provinces, and we're afraid we won't make it in time."

"No worries, follow me."

Chen Mu smiled faintly, and with a flick of his sleeve, a gust of wind suddenly blew, opening doors and windows.

Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were momentarily dazed, and in the blink of an eye, they found themselves involuntarily airborne. When they regained their senses, they realized they were already in the sky, following behind Chen Mu, riding on a thick cloud, swiftly traversing the heavens like a rainbow.

Chen Mu stood there, his entire being exuding an aura of dominance. The heavens seemed to part before him, constantly retreating and making way for his progress.

"This is..."

Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were stunned, their hearts filled with a mix of emotions.

Although their cultivation realm wasn't exceptionally high, they had reached the Marrow Washing Realm and were grandmasters, no ordinary people. At this moment, standing behind Chen Mu, they could clearly sense the feeling of the heavens opening up.

They knew Chen Mu's physique and Essence Energy were unparalleled, but as they soared through the sky, he wasn't relying on his physique or Essence Energy. Instead, he was manipulating the boundless power of heaven and earth! This level of control over the heavenly forces, even hinting at a grasp of the heavens, was beyond the capabilities of a mere domain...

And above domains, there was only the Third Step of Insight.

Heaven and Man?

As soon as this thought arose in their minds, the sisters exchanged a glance, each seeing the shock in the other's eyes.

They were in tune with each other's thoughts, and both were well aware that Chen Mu had not been a Heaven and Man Master just two years ago. He had only entered the Blood Exchange Realm, sweeping through the Central Region with his invincible physique. But now, in just two short years... Chen Mu had become a Heaven and Man Master?

This seemingly ordinary step had blocked countless Blood Exchange Realm cultivators across the land. Although they never doubted Chen Mu's potential, the fact that he had achieved the Heaven and Man Realm in just two years was truly astonishing.

It was common knowledge that the He Huan Sect had been established for many years, with hundreds of generations of Sect Masters and a heritage spanning over a thousand years. Countless Blood Exchange Realm cultivators had been born within the Sect, but not a single one had ever managed to step into the Heaven and Man Realm. The higher the realm, the clearer it was how difficult that single step was. Even Blood Exchange Realm experts, after a hundred years of insight, could only grasp a handful of them, entering that realm.

Hua Nongying gazed at Chen Mu's back in the distance, her eyes shimmering with ripples. She felt his silhouette was infinitely grand and majestic, supporting the heavens and standing shoulder to shoulder with the world.

"That's him," she whispered to herself.

...

Kunlun Mountains.

As the tallest peak in the world, the central Kunlun Main Peak soared into the sky, its summit invisible from below. This majestic mountain contained Earth Vein power within, a force so vast it seemed boundless.

Martial artists below the Five Viscera Realm didn't even qualify to climb the foot of the Kunlun Main Peak. Only Five Viscera Realm experts possessed the initial qualifications to attempt the ascent. However, their climb was limited to the lower peaks.

At this moment, gazing upon the majestic Kunlun Main Peak, numerous figures were scattered across the mountain range. Some tried to climb the side peaks, while others stood at the foot of the main peak, gazing up at its summit.

These individuals exuded the aura of the Five Viscera Realm or the Six Viscera Realm, and were well-known figures in the Eleven Provinces. Yet, in the presence of the majestic Kunlun Mountains, they seemed as insignificant as grains of sand.

Ascending the main peak, it became evident that the mountain was incredibly steep. Beyond the halfway point, the peak no longer rose vertically but instead branched into numerous steeper cliffs, each a part of the main peak.

At the halfway point, several figures could be seen standing on these cliffs, their auras much denser than those below. Each of them was a Marrow Washing Realm Grandmaster.

In the Northern Desolate, Grandmasters could climb to the top of the Cloudy Peak, reaching the Heaven Stage, even outside specific periods.

However, in the Kunlun Mountains, it was a different story. Even the most exceptional Grandmasters struggled to climb to the summit of the main peak. The best they could manage was reaching the halfway point, standing on the steep cliffs and gazing up at the summit.

As they climbed higher, the mountain's power became increasingly intense. Even Grandmasters found it challenging to bear the pressure. Only the most outstanding among them could climb a little further, approaching the upper reaches of the peak. But there was no solid ground, making it extremely dangerous. It was safer to remain at the middle peak, where they could still catch glimpses of the summit.

Upon reaching the upper peak, there were no paths, only steep vertical cliffs.

Finally, near the summit, there were some footholds. On these scattered resting spots stood figures with expansive and surging blood energy—Blood Exchange Realm cultivators.

In terms of Body Tempering Martial Arts, they were among the top experts of the eighth realm. However, even they lacked the strength to climb to the peak of the Kunlun Mountains. From here onwards, white void rifts appeared in the air, flickering in and out of existence.

This place was at a height of sixteen thousand meters! The Kunlun Mountains had a unique terrain, a convergence of heavenly and earthly energies. The power contained within the mountain range was vast and majestic, capable of withstanding the void rifts that appeared in the air and the nine-heavenly gale winds that could scrape flesh from bone.

Although these Blood Exchange Realm cultivators could resist, it was arduous and perilous. If they were caught in multiple void rifts simultaneously, they could suffer severe injuries. Thus, the summit was no longer a safe place for them.

However, from here, they could already see the peak.

At this moment, atop the Kunlun Mountain Apex, stood a solitary figure. He wore plain cloth, and on his back was an ancient-looking longsword. White void rifts appeared around him, but as soon as they emerged, they were blocked by an invisible sword qi, preventing any impact from reaching him.

He was the first Heaven and Man Master to reach the Kunlun Mountain Apex.

He had arrived even half a month ago.

As one of the most exceptional beings in the world, his reputation was renowned across the land. Known for his mastery of the sword path, he stood at the pinnacle of the sword world. Due to his origins in the Eastern Border Region and his residence there, he was also known as the Eastern Border Sword Supreme!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end